SVSU political expert: Gov. Snyder sidestepped right-to-work in State of the State

View full sizeMichigan Gov. Rick Snyder delivers his third annual State of the State address to a joint session of the state Legislature in the Capitol, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013. Generating new money for Michigan's transportation network was the centerpiece of Snyder's address.Carlos Osorio | AP

BAY CITY, MI — State Democrats with a bad taste in their mouth from the right-to-work legislation signed a month ago likely weren’t comforted by Gov. Rick Snyder’s third State of the State address, a Saginaw Valley State University educator says.

SVSU assistant political science professor John L. Kaczynski, a Bay City resident, watched the Jan. 16 speech. One of his first impressions revolved around what the Republican governor didn’t say.

While Snyder acknowledged contention between state Democrats and Republicans and called for bi-partisan work, he didn’t speak specifically about the right-to-work legislation critics say weakens unions and workers rights in Michigan.

“He was talking in code, yes,” Kaczynski said. “From my standpoint, it was like rubbing salt into an open wound with Democrats.”

The assistant professor also noted how the speech did not address a growing financial crisis in Detroit.

“He did sidestep some major issues,” Kaczynski said.

Some issues Snyder discussed could impact the Bay City area, Kaczynski said, including initiatives to bolster education — both K-12 and higher education — road investment and construction jobs.

“I think the proof will be in the pudding when the budget is introduced,” Kaczynski said.

He said he’s interested to see how Snyder tackles improving Michigan’s roads. During the speech, the governor said improving roads would save taxpayers money in the long run, curb vehicle repair costs, create jobs and “save 100 lives a year.”

“It’s funny because, in my classes, we talk about the cost-benefit of (repairing roads),” Kaczynski said.

He described Snyder’s speech as having “a very CPA-style delivery.”

“He has a very business-oriented delivery in his speeches, which has its critics,” Kaczynski said. “People who like things quantitatively laid out in front of them will like that. For people who like stronger delivery in their speeches, that might not be the best.”